When you’re looking to simplify your experience in the air, a well-sized, cleverly designed carry-on makes all the difference. Whether you’re after a designer brand or a straightforward roller, we’ve sought out the most innovative travel bags around, with plenty of outside pockets, internal zippers, and elastic straps, not to mention useful features like collapsible frames, magnetized wheels, and pull-out compartments.
An overnight bag that can hold 24 liters, Cotopaxi’s Nazca Canvas Overnight Duffel backpack is both water-resistant for outdoor use and stylish enough to double as a business-trip-worthy duffel backpack. The inner mesh packing compartments make it super organized, whether you’re camping or using it as a carry-on (its dimensions are fit for all airline size limits). As an added bonus, it has a 61-year warranty and could be the last overnight bag you buy.

For frequent air travelers, there is a lot to be said for the convenience of a wheeled duffel, and especially one that can be used as a carry-on. At 40 liters, the TNF Rolling Thunder 22" is an optimal size for air travelers who don’t pack the kitchen sink. The wheels are large yet smooth and functional over a variety of surfaces, equally at home at the airport and far-flung villages. And while the bag expands nicely to accommodate full loads, compression straps help to keep the size within airline regulations.

After dozens of trips of in-the-field testing and direct side-by-side comparisons, we liked the big D- or U-shaped openings rather than the straight "I" style zippered openings. We also loved bags that acted more like a box that we could just fill up rather than ones that were more of a clam-shell style design and closure. Bags that have some structure stay upright and open while packing. These are easier to pack.

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The Gregory Alpaca is a high capacity duffel that checks all the boxes. It has a large U-shaped opening, padded and removable backpack straps, and is made with a durable 900D ripstop nylon fabric with a water-resistant coating. Throw in storm flaps over the top zipper, plenty of daisy chains, and a sleek design, and you have another attractive outdoor/travel duffel to consider.